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Kangerlussuaq Hiking Map

Kangerlussuaq is also known as Søndre Strømfjord or Sondrestrom

This information is provided by Greenland Tourism a/s, the national tourist board of Greenland



The map is produced: 1996
Based on: 1987 air photograps
Photogrammetry: Harvey Map Services, Scotland
Map Names: Greenland Place Name Authority
Printing: In color on waterproof paper.
Projection and Datum: UTM-zone 23, WGS84
Contours: 25 meter interval
Scale: 1:100.000
Covered area: 40 x 60 km
Price: Approx DKK 80,00 with map and route descriptions on the back-page.
Order: See
main map page.


Guide to the Kangerlussuaq Map:


The history of Kangerlussuaq
Kangerlussuaq, means the long fjord in Greenlandic. The fjord is 185 km long, with Kangerlussuaq Airport located at the far end, approx. 60 km north of the Arctic Circle.
Sondrestrom Air Base, known under the code name Bluie West 8 was founded on October 7th 1941 by the United States Air Force (USAF). Earlier that year, on April 9th 1941, Greenland's security was entrusted to the USA by the Danish Ambassador as Denmark itself was unable to ensure Greenland's security and supplies to the country under the German occupation of Denmark. The USA set up a number of military bases and weather stations in Greenland during the Second World War, including the military base at Kangerlussuaq. During the war, Bluie West 8 soon became one of the most important stopover sites for flying missions between the USA and its allies in Europe, owing to the fine flying conditions for which Kangerlussuaq became known.

After the war, in 1950, Bluie West 8 was handed back to Denmark, and on April 27th 1951 the base reverted to the USA when Denmark and the USA signed a new defence agreement, whereby the Americans opened Bluie West 8 under the name of Sondrestrom Air Base.

Between November 15th 1954 and October 1st 1965, SAS began making use of Kangerlussuaq for stopovers on the route Copenhagen-Los Angeles.
The non-stop route linking Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq had thus been created and, besides being an American military base, the airport became the gateway to Greenland. In 1960, the civil aspect of the base was established with a transit hotel as annex.

During the post-war period, which saw the onset of the cold war between the two world powers, the USA and the USSR, DEW (Distant Early Warning) radar stations were set up by the Americans from 1958 until far into the 1970s: the DYE-2 and DYE-3 stations on the inland ice, DYE-1 at Sisimiut and DYE-4 at Kulusuk. Sondrestrom's main mission since that time has been to supply the DEW stations, with both Greenlandair and USAF collaborating on the supply work.

When the disarmament between the USA and the USSR started in 1989, the Pentagon decided to close down the DEW stations for the period 1990-91, soon followed by the decision to shut down the American base. On September 30th 1992, USAF left Søndre Strømfjord and on October 1st 1992, the entire airport came under Greenland Home Rule and was given its first Greenlandic name, Kangerlussuaq, as its official title. Kangerlussuaq Airport (Mittarfeqarfiit) is operated by the Airport Authority under Greenland's Home Rule.
Until the Second World War, the Kangerlussuaq area had never been populated, though the fjord had been used as summer sealing and fishing grounds.

Today, with a population of approx. 250 - 300, Kangerlussuaq Airport is an exclusively civil area, outside any municipal classification. The resident population is directly or indirectly employed in connection with airport operations, and the airport town has both a kindergarden and a school.

Scientific research
Kangerlussuaq has always been known for playing host to scientific research teams, who have used Kangerlussuaq as their base. Kangerlussuaq is much used by expeditions and has a special hotel for scientists. The following are the research teams most firmly rooted in Kangerlussuaq:

Kellyville. The "Sondrestrom Incoherent Scatter Radar" Research Centre is sited near the port in an unofficial township by the name of Kellyville. The Centre is financed by the USA's National Science Foundation and run by the American company SRI International in association with the Danish Meteorological Institute. The station's chief assignment is basic research into the ionosphere (and northern lights) and the outer atmosphere (incl. the depth of the ozone layer). For those interested, a sightseeing trip to Kellyville can be arranged by Kangerlussuaq Tourism.

"GRIP" - The Greenland Icecore Programme - was a European research programme organized under the European Science Foundation. Eight European countries collaborated on drilling through the inland ice at its highest point 800 km north-east of Kangerlussuaq. After four years' work, drilling was completed at a depth of 3,028 metres in the summer of 1992. This means that the recorded icecore stretches 250,000 years back in time. Each and every snowstorm during that quarter of a million years is represented in the core. Analyses of the ice enable climatic and atmospheric changes to be charted back in time.

PICO - the Polar Ice Coring Office - has been represented in Kangerlussuaq since the mid-seventies. PICO is now a department of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, and its job is to support all American research under the National Science Foundation originating from Kangerlussuaq.

The main assignment of recent years has been support to American deep drilling, a parallel project to GRIP. In addition, PICO provides logistic support to many other projects, including research into Greenland's geology and in particular the study of Greenlandic falcons. Falcons ringed in Kangerlussuaq have been spotted on the east coast of the USA and in South America.

Flora
The vegetation depends on the climatic conditions and the landscape. The area between Kangerlussuaq close to the ice cap and Sisimiut by the Sea has significant differences in the vegetation. In the fjord there are approx. 200 sorts of flowering plants and brackens while the coast region has approx. 165 sorts. 6 of these plants only grow in this area and 40 other plants are common in this region and very rare in the rest of Greenland.

The most common plant community is dwarf-shrub heath dominated by small bushes , i.e. Arctic blueberry, dwarf birch and crowberry in different variations. In the high mountains the plant communities are fell-field and in the low-land it is copse. Among the different heath plants such as mountain-heath, white Arctic bell-heather and rock cranberry, the Arctic blueberry is the most important. Sweet Arctic blueberries can be found almost everywhere in the summer and are highly appreciated by hikers and hill walkers. Crowberry is another sweet berry, but it is more common by the coast. The dwarf-birch prefers the warmer areas away from the coast.

Willow scrub can be found in the entire area except in mountains over 2 - 300 m. At the coast and in the high mountains the scrub is creeping and becomes a part of the dwarf-shrub heath. In protected valleys away from the coast the willow grows almost like trees and can be almost 3 m high and form a thick copse. The copse appears on both dry ground and close to rivers and streams. Willow-herb and common horsetail are often seen where the willow stands on dry ground. Willow at rivers and streams often has high grasses and the edible angelica as near neighbours.

Herb-slopes are luxuriant plant communities, rich in herbs of many kinds. They are found on south slopes with sufficient water supply throughout the summer and during the winter protected by snow. Often herb-slopes are fresh green spots directly under vertical rocks. The vegetation is dominated by broad-leaved, sappy herbs as angelica and cluster-flowered lady's-mantle. Grasses and brackens are common on herb slopes close to water. Typical herb-slopes cannot be found in the inner parts of the country as the summer is too dry and the snow cover in the winter too thin.

Fell-field are wind-exposed plant communities with low and sparse vegetation. The vegetation is found on solifluction soils, patterned ground and rocky ravines. The higher mountains the more fell-field you will experience. On hiking routes through fell-field the common plants are nard sedge, broad-leaved willow-herb, Arctic poppy and moss campion.

The sour bogs dominated by peat bogs can mainly be found near the coast line. Due to the springy foundation hiking in areas with moss requires that the hillwalkers are in good physical form - especially if it rains. In some bogs dwarf bich and heath plants form large dry tufts between the mosses.

Lichen is dominated by reindeer moss and other moss sorts but grasses and flower plants can also be seen. Lichen requires complete snow cover during the winter and is very important to the reindeer population.

Fauna
The area around Kangerlussuaq is richer in mammals and birds and has a larger mammal density than most of the other regions in Greenland. The large ice-free inland with the different types of landscape was known as an important summer hunting place to which hunters from all of Greenland were attracted.

Reindeer. The area between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut has been among the largest and most productive reindeer areas in Greenland for decades. Over the past years, however, the population of wild reindeer (tuttu in Greenlandic) have declined all over Greenland. The calve areas are very close to the ice cap, northeast to Kangerlussuaq. Reindeer move around a lot; the coastal areas are grazed in the winter time and the areas near the ice cap are grazed during the summer.

Musk ox (Umimmak in Greenlandic). Musk oxen from the northern Greenland were transfered to the Kangerlussuaq area in the beginning of 1963 and 1965. Musk oxen look like a cross between a sheep and an ox but are a race unto itself. Today the original 27 "newcomers" from the 1960'ies have proliferated into about 3,000 animals. The animals are quite stationary and prefer the area south of Kangerlussuaq towards the ice cap and Paradisdalen. Keep distance to the animals as they are not very friendly to strangers. If a group of musk oxen form a ring and the bull steps forward you have come too close to the oxen. If the bull steps forward and make a feint, there is a real risk that the animals will attack you. Depending on the circumstances the critical distance to the animals is approx. 50 m. If you get too close you should walk away quietly without too much noice and fast movements. If you keep a distance to the animals they will ignore people almost completely.

Alpine hare is white throughout the year, however the female hare turns a bit greyish having given birth to young ones. The youngs are born in the end of June. Especially in the inland the hare's funny jumping and "boxing" can be seen quite often.

Arctic fox. The blue and the white Arctic fox are common throughout Greenland. The white fox is mainly seen in the inland and the blue fox is more common along the coast line. Foxes in the coastal area prefer areas with great tide range.

Birds. Around 50 bird species breed in Greenland and around 150 species are more or less regular migratory birds. Among the small species hikers will quickly notice the wheatear with its black T on a white tail. The birds follow the progress of hikers keenly from big stones, warning each other by clicking sounds that resemble two stones being banged together. The snow bunting is recognized by its black and white plumage. Together with the lapland bunting and the redpoll the small birds add a twittering, fluttering touch to the summer mountain with their hectic courting, nest-building and egg-laying. The snow bunting breed in rock crevices, the lapland bunting on the ground and the redpoll in bushes. If hikers in ravines with large boulders suddenly come across the flapping wings of a female grouse pretending to be ill, they can be pretty sure that well-camouflaged young lie flattened in the surrounding vegetation only a few metres away. The charming small red-necked phalaropes can be seen delicately licking their way along the edge of lakes, swimming in the water.

Ravens can be seen and heard a long way off, never missing a chance to disturb circling white-tailed eagles. The white tailed eagle, gerfalcon and the peregrine falcon are more common here than in other regions. The gerfalcon can be recognized on its white crest and the noisy screems. All larger bird species breed on inaccessible rocks.

Breeding white-fronted gooses can be seen in the inner parts of the country around Kangerlussuaq. The gooses are easily frightened. Canada gooses with more pointed wings and characteristic black-white patterns are also common. Due to flight feather changes the gooses cannot fly during a period of 3 weeks in the summer. In this period the birds are very vulnerable and frightened and as a consequence hikers are requested to keep a long distance to the birds. The area is also a known breeding ground for mallards, long-tailed ducks and great northern diver while the red-throated diver is a bit more rare. If your night is disturbed by scary screems the culprit is the breeding great northern diver. A number of ordinary sea birds can be seen close to the coast.

Arctic char is the only freshwater fish in this part of Greenland except from sticklebacks. Most lakes in the highlands are almost without fishes. Some of the lakes, however, have a small stock of Arctic char. The seagoing Arctic char returns in the late summer to the river or lake where it was born, plump, silvery and tasty having eaten caplin and other marine delicacies all summer. Along the coast and in the head of the fjord in Sisimiut municipality some of the richest char rivers can be found. Apart from the char the angler can catch Atlantic and Greenland cod.

Mosquitoes. Among the many insects in Greenland the mosquitoes draw the attention to themselves in a rather unpleasant way. As the animal life is rich and the climate is relatively mild and warm in the inner part of the country the mosquitoes are numerous. In some very dry summers where the small punds in which the mosquitoes lay their eggs dry out, the nuisance is not so intense. Nevertheless repellants are required. The mosquitoes disappear after the first night frosts.

Polar bears are never seen in this part of the country.

Rabies has been very common in this area, but now it has been reduced significantly. However it is adviceable to take simple precautions. The white and blue Arctic foxes are usually shy and avoid people. If a fox behaves unnaturally and comes forward to people in stead of running away you should be on the alert and try to scare the fox away. Rabies is transmitted through bites and spittle. Therefore all cooking gear, food and cutlery should be taken into the tent at night. Rabies bites must be treated with medicine within a few days after a bite.

Geology
2500 million years ago the Nassuttoqid folding was created. Since then many processes and displacements have given the mountains and valleys its present form. Approx. 3 million years ago the icing of Greenland started. 1 - 2 million years ago the ice cap was covering all of Greenland and at the coldest spots it reached the Davis Street. Large amounts of ice covered the area between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut until the ice cap receded 8 - 10,000 years ago after which the present landscape was formed. Many of the boulders lying on quite unmotivated spots were tranported here with the ice from the central part of Greenland and left behind when the ice melted. Since the ice melted along the coast the land has raised and today sediments from the sea can be seen up to 120 m above sea level.

In the area between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut many variants of the common rock can be found. The light coloured Ikertoq-gneiss dominates the area. Contrary to granite gneiss is characterized by being different on different surfaces. Due to the relative softness of the Ikertoq gneiss the long lakes and fjords which dominate the landscape have been formed through planing from glacier tongues. Amphibolite can be seen as long dark stripes in the gneiss. In amphibolite red and brown garnets are common. In Kangerlussuaq garnets the size of tennis balls have been found.

THE AREA AROUND KANGERLUSSUAQ

North of Kangerlussuaq the area is hilly and it is easy to walk in. There are many lakes of various sizes. The dry climate makes it easy to walk even 3 - 500 m above sea level. On hikes in this area fording is rarely necessary. As there are only a few special marks in the area it can be difficult to orientate. The lakes are the main characteristics in the area.

Towards the ice cap the climate is very dry. As the sunlight is very intense the evaporation is very high - especially on south slopes. These seem very barren and parched. This is also characteristic for the valleys Sandflugtsdalen and Ørkendalen where you can find areas with shifting sand, sand hills and lyme grass. The way to the ice cap goes through Ørkendalen and the road/wheel track east-north east. The sand has been grinded from Greenland's bedrock and deposited at the end of "dead" glaciers (glaciers that do not reach to the sea). The melt water river in Sandflugtdalen Akuliarusiarsuup Kuua (Watson River) brings large amounts of sand and silt. This can make quicksands so do not ford. The water is very cold, streaming from under the ice it is approx. 0,5° C. Musk oxen can often be seen on the south side of the river. The ice cap is around 50 - 60 m high and is very impressive to look at.

Isunngua means "land of the little hills" and are a number of small hills 5 - 700 m above sea level with steep sides between two glaciers. During the summer the area around point 575 close to the ice cap is not very suitable for ordinary hillwalkers. Meltwater makes it very difficult to cross the rivers but by means of ice axes, rope, straps and anti skids and many detours it is possible to reach the point. Expeditions crossing the ice cap climb down from the ice at this point.

Kangerlussuaq - Israndssøen - Isunngua (approx 90 km - demanding route). Follow the road towards the ice cap and turn left at Sugarloaf where the road forks. Take bearing of a hollow in the northern lying hills. The route is quite demanding and you should choose the easiest way to the hollow - just remember to keep a northern course. The first target is the brook between the lake Sanningasoq and the lake Aajuitsup Tasia where you can camp. At the brook there is a red/white mark (1996) where the brook can be passed. Having passed the brook walk around the lake Aajuitsup Tasia on its northern banks. The hike continues along the valley and the edge of the ice. The terrain rises through a valley with many beautiful waterfalls. From here you reach a lake which you follow until you reach a small melt-water river. If it is possible to cross the river at the red/white mark (1996) you can continue some kilometres in northeastern direction to a large waterfall under the Isunngua glacier and camp here. After the detour you walk back to the lake and cross the melt-water river and from here you continue in northwestern direction along the small river and four small lakes which you follow on the left side. The ground is rising. At some spots there are very steep sides towards the lakes. At Israndssøen, the lake at the edge of the ice cap, there are good camping possibilities. If you continue after the Israndssøen it gets difficult to orientate. From the south end of the lake you take bearing of a col in southwest direction. Approx. halfway over the col there is a mark on the rock face. Pass the col and walk between two small lakes. After the lakes the terrain gets more demanding and there are some tough up's and down's over ridges and valleys until the foot of the point 581-mountain. From the top of point 581 you can see all the way around the icecap. At the top there is a cairn with a book in which visitors should write their names. The route continues along the ridge south of the glacier valley to point 543. From point 543 and back to Kangerlussuaq there are only a few characteristic points in the terrain which makes it difficult to orientate. From the top of point 543 continiue in southwest direction towards the valley. Further through the valley, there is a ridge which has to be climbed. In front of the ridge there is a small brook. From the top of the ridge you can look down in a valley that winds its way to the west. At the far end of the valley there is a large boulder with a mark. From here you can either climb the mountain or follow the main course around the mountain. Approx. 3 km further ahead you walk down the mountain and from here it is easier to orientate. Follow a route south of point 590. From here the rest of the way to the northwestern end of the lake Sanningasoq is manageable as the terrain is falling.

The Ammalortup Nunaa area towards the south. This area is hilly and has rocks around 300 - 600 m above sea level. You can walk almost everywhere even though it might be difficult to orientate. This area is the musk oxen's favourite place. The differences in the area can be bigger than it seems from the map and hiking can be quite demanding. In the valleys along the rivers and lakes it is easier to walk. However the short grass, which is the musk oxen's favourite make it difficult to walk. The musk ox area is bounded by large melt-water rivers, the fjord and the sandy delta. Ammalortup Nunaa is ideal for hiking tours of one weeks duration.

Around Ammalortup Nunaa. The tour takes about 4 - 7 days. Day 1 - (7 hours): Start at the little river mouthing in the south end of the lake Tasersuatsiaq. Walk southwest up the ridge. It is easier to walk in the heights as there are many ravines and steep sides close to the fjord. Certain parts can be difficult because of the vegetation. The route goes left of point 468. From here you continue to the river Naqinnera. The view over the fjord is magnificient. Camping is recommended near the river. Day 2 - (5 - 8 hours): Keep point 380 on your right side until you reach the lakes. At the southern end of the lakes there is a waterfall ravine from where you can enjoy the view. If you are tired you can camp a bit further uphill at the lake. The route continues over rocky ground with scattered vegetation and small lakes to the south end of the big lake on the northern route marked on the map. At the lake there are camp sites. (As an alternative route to lake Ammalortoq you can cross the highland in order to get to the valley Aasivissuit. In this valley there are many musk oxen and ruins from ancient hunting camps) Day 3 - (7 - 8 hours): Today's walk continue in the highland towards the south end of lake 450. The route is hilly and it is necessary to use a compass as there are only a few characteristic points in the terrain. Keep a northeastern compass course and after the big lakes you continue in eastern direction and pass many lake systems. There are many possibilities of studying birds and botany around the lake. The route might seem a bit long but the climbings and descents are not steep. Day 4 - (6 - 7 hours): The last stretch is downhill to the edge of the lake Ammalortoq. You walk east passing the hills on the northern side and walk along many small lakes. En route you can overlook the whole valley. At Ammalortoq you can camp on the northern side of the river. When returning to Kangerlussuaq you can continue in the highland in northeastern direction and pass the lake Orsuarnisaarajuttoq on its south side or return following other routes through the pass at Perserajuut. Store Saltsø north of Tasersuatsiaq is worth visiting. On the west side of the lake the musk oxen lick salt in the thick moss.

Kangerlussuaq - lake Tasersuatsiaq - lake Orsuarnisaarajuttoq - lake Ammalortoq (approx 27 km): Ammalortoq is a good starting point for hikes in the area. The tour (one way) - can be done in 1 - 2 days. Day 1 (5 hours): Start at the south end of lake Tasersuatsiaq. If you take the route north of the lake you will find some interesting plant communities, however this route is a bit steeper than the route south of the lake. At the eastern lying river mouthing in the lake there are places with green grass and a wonderful view and if you do'nt want to continue you can find a good camp site here. When continuing, follow the river through the ravine on your left. On the left hillside garnet crystals in the dark amphibolite can be found. Day 2 ( 8 - 9 hours): The day's stretch starts with a longer rise to a pass with many small lakes. On the horizon the icecap can be seen faintly for the first time on this tour. The stretch along the lake Orsuarnisaarajuttoq is easiest to walk on the south side. Certain passages en route are on sand but will not cause problems. At the end of the lake you walk uphill through the pass. From here you can enjoy the view over the lake Ammalortoq. From the pass continue left around a small lake and walk through a natural hollow directly versus the middle of the lake Ammalortoq. En route you can see herb-slopes and hares. Stay on the right side of the river. On the way to the lake you will pass northern willow.

The lake Ammalortoq is worth a longer stay. The north beach is sand and gravel and the south beach is clay. Some of the clay stretches contain minerals similar to the ones in quicksands. South of the lake there is a magnificient view. Here the river has formed a canyon-like ravine with thundering fosses.

The Amitsorsuaq lake (west) (Map 2) In the western end of the large lake Amitsorsuaq Sisimiut Tourism (see adress) has made an activity centre with accommodation facilites and canoes. The centre is manned during the summer. The distance from Kangerlussuaq harbour to the eastern side of the lake is approx 22 km (one long day's walk). Here you can stay overnight and paddle on to the canoe centre ( 20 km) the following day and stay a few days. Against payment Kangerlussuaq Tourism can arrange transport from the airport to the harbour which will shorten the walking distance to the centre.

Shorter tours under your own stream around Kangerlussuaq

There are many excellent alternatives for hiking and bicycle outings, as there are several kilometres of road, tarmacked and gravelled. The following tours are just examples on nature experiences in the area.

Køkkenfjeldet From the airport hotel you walk on the road leading to the ice cap. At the end of the runway you turn left and walk up-hill. After the hill you pass a quarry and a small lake. 100 m further on you will find the road leading to Køkkenfjeldet

Kellyville - approx. 2 x 18 km. From the airport area, you can walk or cycle to the harbour and the scientific Kellyville Institute. The road to the harbour is tarmacked and passes through magnificent, hilly countryside. On foot, the trip takes about 3 hours each way, or about 1 hour by bike, depending how fit you are!

The harbour - approx 2 x 13 km. From the airport area, you can walk or cycle to the fjord.

Lake Tasersuatsiaq (Lake Ferguson) - approx 2 x 5 km. From the airport area, you can walk or cycle to the lake which is the reservoir for Kangerlussuaq. Roklubben's (The rowing club) building is set amid very scenic surroundings, on the shores of the 7 km-long lake. While out walking or cycling, you may be lucky enough to see reindeer and musk oxen, which often graze near the area backing onto the lake and Roklubben. Following the gravel track by foot, the walk either way will take about 1 hour, by bike about 1/2 hour.

Ravneklippen (Black Ridge) - approx 2 x 6 km. If you wish to see the inland ice (or ice cap), the sea and the Kangerlussuaq region from above, you can take a walk to the top of Ravneklippen to the radar house from where you can enjoy the impressive view of the entire region. If you're lucky, there may also be reindeer and musk oxen nearby. From the Radar House, you can follow the path that climbs to an old landing radar installation dating back to the American era. From there, you will also have a splendid view of the hinterland. The path is gravelled, and the walk either way takes roughly 1-2 hours. You can extend your hike to the lake Store Saltsø. On the west side of the lake the musk oxen lick salt in the thick moss.

Sugar Loaf - approx. 2 x 8 km. Having passed the golf course and if you feel up to a longer walk, follow the gravel path alongside the stream leading to the ice cap or rent a bike for the tour. As the name implies, Sugar Loaf is a mountain reminiscent of an old-fashioned sugar loaf.
Once you have reached Sugar Loaf, you can walk up the mountainside to the end of the path. From the top you can overlook the fjord on the west and the ice cap on the eastern side. On foot, the trip will take about 2 hours each way; by bike about 1/2 hour either way.

Elvfossen - approx 2 x 10 km. Having passed Sugarloaf follow the track and turn right towards the waterfall. Meltwater from the icecap runs through a bottleneck in the rocks towards the river. End of June to the end of August are the best months to enjoy the waterfall as the melting is at its peak in these months.

The inland ice - approx. 2 x 25 km. This hike takes its toll and is a full day's walk, though it is definitely the most imposing walk of all and worth every last ounce of physical exertion. On a good summer's day, the hike to the inland ice is a manageable project, as the entire path is readily accessible. If you have only a short time to spare, you can return the same day, however this calls for good leg muscles. The ideal solution is to spend a few days with a tent and sleeping bag, if you have the chance. Follow the path eastwards from the airport area, past Sugar Loaf on the north side. From here, follow the wheel track towards the inland ice. Do remember warm top clothing, as it is cooler at the inland ice. Pay attention to the ice - it is very dangerous if you get hit by falling iceblocks. Remember this when putting up your tent. When returning you can walk the same way as before or follow the ridge between Sandflugtdalen and Aajuitsup Tasia. It is easy to walk on the ridge and if you are in luck you can see reindeer.

Remember to observe the safety signs, as the inland ice can calve at any time! And whatever you do, don't walk on the wet, sandy surfaces as these may be quicksands. Due to the quicksands and the strong current it is too dangerous to cross the stream. On your way back, take the lower car track which passes American aircraft wrecks. People who are fit will manage the walk to the inland ice and back in about 8 hours, not counting a short stop at the ice.

Bicycle outings
From about May 1st, when the roads are free of ice, to about September 15th, the area around Kangerlussuaq has plenty of bicycle outings to offer. Please obtain further information from Kangerlussuaq Tourism.

Skiing
In the winter, Kangerlussuaq Tourism rents cross-country skis, ski boots and bob-sleighs. It is possible to go on a cross-country skiing expedition from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut on the Arctic Circle Race route. The route is approx 160 km. The best period is from mid March to mid April.

Angling
Lake Tasersuatsiaq. Fine lake-fishing for Arctic char sized 500 - 1,500 g, some larger fish up to 2 - 3 kg. Good fly-fishing amenities.

Kangerlussuaq Fjord. From the end of May to the middle or end of July the fjord water is slightly unclear at times.Very fine coastal fishing for char sized 1 - 2 kg with good chances of fish sized 2 - 3 kg; possibility of trophy fish up to 4 - 5 kg.

River Robinson. Mid-late July until the middle of September. Strong-flowing river, slightly unclear water. Fish: as under coastal fishing.

Fishing in the lakes in the environs of Kangerlussuaq. If your walks take you south of Kangerlussuaq Harbour, approx. 8 - 12 hours' hike in the direction of the great lakes of the inland, there are good facilities for Arctic char fishing.

Transport facilities for fishing. Arrangements for transportation to the fishing sites can be made by Kangerlussuaq Tourism. Transportation to the fishing sites in the fjord and to Robinson River is by boat and takes 1 - 2 hours. Kangerlussuaq Tourism also arranges a day's fishing trip by helicopter during July-August.

Dog sledding
A dog sled trip is the experience of a lifetime. Providing you book in good time, you can even try this Greenlandic winter amusement in Kangerlussuaq . Dog sled drivers from Sisimiut often do trips from Kangerlussuaq. A dog sled tour from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut takes 3 days but shorter tours can also be arranged.

Accommodation in Kangerlussuaq
Kangerlussuaq Hotel
has three hotel buildings with some 190 hotel rooms. Some rooms have en suite facilities, while the rest have good toilet and bathing facilities on the same floor. In addition to this there are cheap-rate dormitories (sleep-ins).

Camp School. Sheraton, Hilton, Claridge and Condo are the slightly humorous names given by the Americans to the buildings in the Old Camp, which is today an excellent camp school. There are about 100 beds in total, with access to communal facilities. Further information on camp school in Kangerlussuaq is available from Kangerlussuaq Tourism and Team Arctic.

Cabins. Some cabin owners in Kangerlussuaq rent cabins to hiking tourists. These cabins vary, ranging from primitive to superior in standard. Contact Kangerlussuaq Tourism for further details.

Campsite. The campsite near the landing strip at Greenlandair's freight terminal is used from spring to autumn by hiking tourists wishing to stay in the Kangerlussuaq airport area. Check-in is at the airport hotel's reception, providing access to toilet, bathing huts and washing machines in C corridor. On site, you will find tables, benches and a barbecue. In the Kangerlussuaq area, you can get out into the countryside in a matter of minutes, and outside the built-up area there are splendid areas for camping, e.g. at the foot of Sugar Loaf.

Lockers for campers, etc. Against a small fee luggage you wish to leave behind can be deposited at Kangerlussuaq Tourism. This is only possible during the summer season.

Useful adresses:

Kangerlussuaq Tourism a/s
P.O Box 49
DK-3910 Kangerlussuaq
Tel: +299 11098
Fax: +299 11498

Hotel Kangerlussuaq
P.O Box 1006
DK-3910 Kangerlussuaq
Tel: +299 11180
Fax: +299 11284

Sisimiut Tourism a/s
P.O Box 65
DK-3911 Sisimiut
Tel: +299 14848
Fax: +299 15622

Team Arctic
P.O. Box 39
DK-3911 Kangerlussuaq
Tel: +299 1 14 33
Fax: +299 1 14 33

Greenlandair
P.0. 1012
DK-3900 Nuuk
Greenland
Phone + 299 2 88 88
Fax. + 299 2 78 58

Danish Polar Center
Strandgade 100 H
DK-1401 København K
Denmark
Phone: +45 32 88 01 11
Fax: +45 32 88 01 01

Tourist info on internet:
http://www.greenland-guide.dk
E-mail: tourism@greennet.gl

General information about hiking Greenland


The nature
Greenland's impressive nature has attracted hikers for decades. The high beautiful mountains, glaciers, ice-filled fjords, the flora and fauna the untouched nature and the silence provide the unique experience of the Arctic. The air is so clear that mountains can be seen from a distance of 75 - 200 km and one can be in the wilderness for days without meeting other people.

Commandments for hiking
Hiking in Greenland, outside inhabited areas, is mainly for experienced hikers and provide that your physical condition and sense of direction are good and that you know how to use a map and a compass.

On longer tours you have to be able to enjoy untouched nature far away from the nearest inhabited place. A sensible attitude to adopt is the assumption of being left completely to one's own devices. Only very limited assistance is available for the hillwalker, such as for example marked paths, designated routes, signposting, bridges and suchlike.

The following rules of the mountains are a good help when going about the nature. By keeping these rules the risk of accidents en route will be reduced.

1. Don't start off on long walks without some previous training and planning
2. Let someone know where you're heading and when you expect to be back.
3. Pay attention to the weather and the weather reports.
4. Listen to experienced hikers.
5. Be prepared for bad weather and accidents, even on short walks.
6. Always remember a map and compass.
7. Never go alone.
8. Turn back before things get chritical.
9. Conserve your strength; look for shelter while there is still time
10. Always take along the necessary emergency gear.
11. Always bring extra warm clothes - even on short day tours.

Choice of route and hiking technique
Before starting off, the route must be carefully planned. Difficult passages must be taken under consideration before making the final decision of the route. It is important to be in good form and remember; it is your holiday! Even the weakest on the team must be able to complete the day's march without getting totally exhausted. Allow good time to complete the route and for delays so you have time to climb a mountain, see a ruin or simply stay a day or two at a beautiful spot. Allow for 1 - 2 demurrage days per week in consequense of rain, wind or fog. Avoid too many climbings and descents which will tax your energy. As a guideline you can walk 3 - 4 km per hour on even ground. You will need approx. 1 hour extra everytime you climb or descent 300 m. Take a break every hour and drink something hot or eat chocolate or dried fruit in order to avoid an insufficient blood sugar balance.

When everything is planned you must inform the authorities (the police, friends, family, hotel, or the tourist office) of the planned route, estimated duration etc. - and remember to inform them on your return. The planned route must be followed as strictly as possible as this is where a search will be initiated in case of emergencies. If you are too far away from the planned route there is a risk that you will not be found.
Routes on this map
The recommended routes on this map are marked with different colours; Green > blue > red > black indicating the increasing level of difficulty. The easiest routes - green and blue - are either on or close to beaten track. Since they often follow unsurfaced roads, valleys or fjords, the need to be able to read contour lines and find one´s way and position using a map and a compass is limited, so there is little risk of getting lost. Hiking on recommended red and black routes calls for a greater sense of direction, physical fitness and hiking experience.

The routes on this map are only a small selection of the actual possibilities in the terrain.

Sense of locality
In Greenland there are several places with metal ores in the underground which influences on the compass and makes it difficult to find one's way. As a consequence it is important to make note of the landform and the characteristics of the nature, for example a large mountain, a certain lake etc. and compare these observations with the information on the map. The routes are unmarked - however some are marked with cairns. As a supplement to the compass we recommend mileometer, altimeter and protractor for maps.

Compass declination
In Greenland there is a significant compass declination, this is indicated on the map.

Wind and weather
The weather in Greenland changes a lot faster than in other countries. In 10 - 15 minutes it can be fogged and thereby be difficult to find one's way or it can be storm and be necessary to seek shelter for several hours before continuing the tour. Make sure your equipment is geared for sudden changes in the weather. Most people who suffer death in the mountains do not die of hunger but of frost.

Kangerlussuaq has a typical continental climate owing to its great distance from the open sea. That makes for dry, warm summers with temperatures up to 18 - 20°C, but conversely cold winters with temperatures that can drop right down to -50°C. From end November to mid-June, the fjord is frozen. Not nearly as much snow falls in Kangerlussuaq as in other coastal towns. The sun ducks below the horizon on November 22nd and reemerges, radiantly, on January 22nd, after an absence of precisely 2 months. From mid-April to mid-August, it is light 24 hours a day, but because of the mountains, there is no midnight sun.

The temperatures mentioned below indicate the temperatures in the different months. However it is a good idea to bring gloves and a cap - even in the summer, as it can be very cold when the wind blows.

The best months for hiking are from the middle of June to the end of August.

Mean temperature - Celcius
April -11,4, May 1,4, June 10,5, July 11,6, August, 6,7, September 3,1, October -3,6.

Foehn is a dry and warm wind. It arises from a high-pressure area east or northeast of Greenland from where the wind blows over the sea and crosses the inland ice towards a low-pressure area west of Greenland. In western Greenland the wind comes down from the mountains as a warm, dry and often very intense wind from the south east. The foehn can be portended by black/blue lens-shaped clouds over the inland ice and fall in the barometric pressure. The temperature on the west coast rises at the same time as the foehn breaks through with great intensity. The foehn can last for days and occur several times during the same month. Only very few tents can stand the pressure from a foehn storm and therefore we recommend you to dismantle the tent and seek shelter behind big and heavy rocks. A foehn storm seldom lasts more than 1 - 2 days.

Clothing and equipment
When hiking in the Greenlandic nature it is important to be able to take care of one-self as you will often be far away from inhabited areas. Therefore it is important to be prepared for an emergency situation beforehand - even if your trip is just for the weekend. Plan the tour carefully and make sure you have sufficient supplies and emergency equipment along with the ordinary hiking gear. The clothes must protect against the cold, the wind, precipitation, the sun and the heat and it is a good idea to dress so the bodytemperature can be regulated through the day. Three layers of clothing is recommended; the inner layer must keep you warm even though the clothes get wet, the middle layer must insulate against the cold and the outer layer must be wind and rain proof. We recommend you to bring:

Clothing: ·Underwear, preferably woollen ·Extra socks ·Underwear with long legs and sleeves allowing perspiration to escape ·Canvas or cotton clothing ·Warm sweater or fleeced sweatshirt ·rain and windproof jacket and trousers ·Cap and finger gloves ·Good hiking boots ·Shorts and T-shirts for warm days.

Camp cookware: ·Trangia cooking gear including sufficient methylated spirits or stove and pots including sufficient fuel bottles ·Mug, plates and cups ·Cutlery ·Bottles or thermo bottle for water ·Salt, pepper and spices ·Plastic bags, lighter etc.

Sleeping gear: ·Tent ·Sleeping bag ·Sleeping pad (insulating) ·Toilet requisities.

Security: ·Map (and an extra map) ·Compass ·Emergency radio and ANNA emergency kit ·Extra tent pegs and tent poles ·Sewing kit ·Tools for repairs ·Multi purpose tools ·Strong knife ·Extra chocolate ·Shoes for wading ·Approx. 20 m strong string.

We recommend ANNA emergency kit supplemented wih VHF radio or ELT-emergency transmitter. The kit has been designed especially for Greenlandic conditions and includes instructions in Danish, English and Greenlandic. The ANNA kit contains whistle, compass, flares (launching tube + cartridges), signalling mirror, astro blanket, signal flag and a belt so that the kit can be strapped around the waist. ANNA emergency kit can be rented at Kangerlussuaq Tourism in Kangerlussuaq.

Nice to have: ·Binoculars ·Fishing gear ·Handbooks ·Tape or plaster for blisters ·Sunglasses ·Little ruck-sack or hip pack ·Insect repellant ·Head net.

Footwear. Much hiking in Greenland takes place on soil that does not drain particularly well. Hiking boots of gore-tex are worth considering. They are waterproof while allowing foot perspiration to escape. Some chooses hiking rubber boots which are excellent on rainy days and in landscapes with many small rivers and streams.

Tents. In general tunnel and dome-shaped tents are good in high winds. In rough weather and high winds, for example foehn, light weight tent pegs are highly inadequate. High winds can lacerate many of the lightweight materials used to manufacture tents. Bring a few extra tent pegs and poles - just in case and secure your tent with stones around the tent pegs and on the sides of of the tent.

Insects/mosquitoes. Bring sufficient supplies of insect repellants and a head net. In addition to this it is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes that can be properly closed and tightened at your wrists or ankles. Some hikers prefer to walk in the evening/night and sleep during the day as the mosquitoes are less active in the evening.

Supplies. On hiking tours in Greenland it is necessary to bring all special provisions from home as there is little or no possibility of buying groceries en route. Shops and grocery stores in the towns and villages do not have special products for hikers and mountaineers such as for example freeze-dried foods. Remember to bring emergency supplies for extra days. Ordinary groceries and methylated spirits for the cooking gear can be obtained at the small supermarket "Butikken" in Kangerlussuaq. The supplies should contain abundant cocoa, coffee, tea, chocolate, dried fruit or biscuits for breaks and cosy evenings.

As a supplement to the freeze-dried foods you can pick berries and mushrooms on the hill sides. The common berries in Greenland are crowberries and blueberries and can be picked from July. The edible mushroom sorts are rough-stremmed boletus, grisette, "the deceiver" (red amethyst cap.) and horse mushroom. Before picking mushrooms one should consult literature with pictures. In addition to berries and mushrooms the food can be varied with fresh fishes. If you intend to fish you must buy a fishing permit at the local tourist office or police station.

Regarding drinking water, Greenland has some of the purest water on Earth and it can be drunk directly from rivers and streams.

Camping and cabins
With few exceptions it is permitted to pitch your tent anywhere in Greenland. The exceptions are preserved areas and ruins from ancient times as well as lakes supplying the nearby village or town with fresh water. Please respect a line of minimum 20 m from any ruin. The Arctic nature is very vulnerable and demands extra attention and consideration. Please bear this in mind when choosing the camp site. Leave the area the way you wish to refind it and leave nothing but footprints. Burn your trashes or bring it along when the tour continues. As a general rule a good campsite is a place where the ground is flat and the pegs can get a purchase and/or a place with large boulders to which to lash the tent down. Another important consideration is a site protected by the terrain with running water close by. Avoid dry river beds or lowlying areas close to rivers as a camp here will easily be flooded in case of heavy rain.

In Greenland the cabins are few and far between, however, practice in Greenland is to make remote chalets available to everyone and therefore they will rarely be locked. For the same reason comfort is sparse and chalets in this category are seldom particularly well-kept or clean. Originally the cabins were built for hunters who use the cabins on hunts far away from the villages. Overnight accommodation is usually free of charge.

Fording
During a hike it will often be necessary to ford rivers. According to a rule of thumb, one should never wade deeper than up to the knees. Otherwise it is best to wait for the water level to drop (approx. 24 hours after heavy rain). Another idea is to follow the river upstream to a better fording place or do the exact opposite; go to the outflow and wade across at the next low tide. It is a good idea to bring along a pair of rubber shoes as special "waders" which it does not matter if you get wet. These will give you a much better grip on smooth and sharp stones. Some form of wading stick also increases safety considerably.

Fire
Due to the Arctic climate the land around Kangerlussuaq is very dry. A fire in the hills would be a catastrophe for the area as fire on peat soil can spread under the vegetation and appear on the surface miles away from the ignition place. As a consequence extra attention to the risk of fire is required; do not stub out a cigarette on the earth, make your campfires in moisted areas, i.e. close to lakes and rivers or on stones - not directly on the dry earth. Put stones around the campfire and do not leave the fireplace until the fire has burnt out or been extinguished with water. Stoves and cooking gear must be placed on an uninflammable foundation.

Quicksands
At many places - especially close to the ice cap there are quicksands so be careful when crossing the rivers. Places with vegetation and large boulders should be safe. Colour changes in the sand are not necessarily a sign of quicksands.

Search and rescue parties
Search and rescue parties are the job of the police all over Greenland. As a general rule a rescue is free of charge for the victim. If the accident, however, was self-induced or was due to an act of folly or the rescue party was called unnecessarily the police can issue an invoice to the victim. Each case is evaluated by the police and the police decides whether the victim must take a part of the costs.

Survival technique
When going on hikes you must always be prepared for the worst. In case of emergencies or accidents it is important to keep one's head, avoid panic and not to give up. Accidents are never the same and it is impossible to make a list of how to avoid the different types of accidents or how to behave in each situation. However, the first rule is to give emergency treatment, to stabilize the situtation and to keep the injured person warm and protected against sun, coldness rain and wind. After this you can look for help. A large team can be divided in two and minimum two persons can look for help. Remember to mark the place of the accident on the map. If you know there are other hikers in the area or you can see/hear a helicopter/ aircraft, you can use the flares or the whistle from the ANNA emergency kit.

Fire. If you have lost the last match fire can be made the primitive way by rubbing two pieces of wood against each other or by means of a burning-glass from a magnifying glass, binoculars or a lens.

Finding one's way. Without map and compass it is almost impossible to find one's way. However, if you loose both of your compasses you can find the four points of the compass with a fairly accurate watch. Before noon (12.00) the four points can be found by letting the hour hand point towards the sun and halve the distance between the hour hand and the number 12. This direction is south. In the afternoon (after 12.00) the distance between the number 12 and the hour hand is south.

Being found. If you have had an accident and you want to be found it is important to draw the attention to yourself in a very obvious way. This can be done by making signals with whistle, mirrors, flares, distress rockets, SOS in oversize, flags, clothing etc. It is important that the signals can be seen from the air, as most rescue parties take place with helicopter. Do not discharge the flares until you can hear a helicopter as they only lighten for a short period. When signalling with a mirror in nice weather, an aircraft can see you from a distance of 75 km. Many people are found too late because they did not make themselves visible from the air or left the planned route. If you are close to inhabited areas or in an area with other hikers, you can blow the whistle 6 times/minute every second minute. Answer to this signal is 3 whistles/minute.

Fishing permits
Fishing and hunting permits can be purchased from Kangerlussuaq Tourism or from the police. Char fishing in the Kangerlussuaq area starts on July 1st and ends on August 30th. Please check with Kangerlussuaq Tourism or the police, as dates and rules may change from year to year. Please familiarize yourself with protected areas, where all fishing is banned.


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